Alexander Autographs teams up with Mohegan Sun to ROCK THE AUCTION, benefiting VH1 Save the Music Foundation. 

STAMFORD, CT (September 25, 2009) – Renowned auctioneers Alexander Autographs has joined forces with Mohegan Sun to sponsor ROCK THE AUCTION, an auction event offering nearly 700 lots of important rock and entertainment memorabilia benefiting the VH1 Save the Music Foundation. This important sale will be held be held on October 21st and 22nd commencing at 2:00 PM at Mohegan Sun’s Cabaret Theatre.

Dozens of rare, never-before-offered items will come to the block in this premiere sale. Among them is Elvis Presley’s stage-used Martin D-35 acoustic guitar. This guitar has quite a history: on Valentine’s Day, 1977, at the conclusion of "See See Rider", Presley broke a guitar string and strap while performing one of his trademark karate moves. According to the Tampa Times, Elvis "...ended it with his usual quick toss of the guitar. No one caught it, though, which was a surprise....Who waited in line the longest?' the Pelvis asked. Hundreds of women cried they did, which was interesting since the Bay Front Center requested mail-order only. Elvis leaned over and handed his guitar to a disbelieving woman in the first row…” We’re thrilled to offer this historic guitar from the King of Rock and Roll.

Also coming up for sale: Jimi Hendrix’s black Fender Stratocaster guitar, as well as a separate Hendrix guitar body, Prince Purple Rain stage-used outfits, Don Henley’s “Hotel California” acoustic 1950 D-28 Martin guitar, Johnny Cash’s treasured carved wood “snake and owl” walking stick, a one-of-a-kind Beatles Australian tour promotional poster, as well as many sets of Beatles signed items, a Britney Spears stage-used outfit, Bob Dylan’s set list, signed harmonica, guitar strings and signed sheet music, Keith Moon’s three-piece suit and photo ID, a 1969 Woodstock poster, John Lennon’s taped interview of Yoko Ono, original lyrics for “Mississippi Queen”, a suggestive Freddie Mercury letter, and much more.

Pop icon Michael Jackson is heavily represented in the sale. An item of particular interest is his custom-made strap and buckle-laden black leather jacket worn by him during rehearsals for the “Dirty Diana” video. Besides being a brilliant singer, lyricist and dancer, Jackson was generous, as evidenced by our offering of his signed agreement giving up all income and royalties to “We Are the World”, co-written by him with Lionel Richie. Similar releases for that No. 1 song, signed by other performers, as well as a signed album, will also be sold. A more poignant item is an ultra-rare “Bad”-era handwritten set of lyrics: “…No time to fix it now No place to lay my body This stuff ain't good for me I really want to shout Life is an Agravator I plan to give it up…”. Other items from the King of Pop include a signed guitar and trademark black fedora, his first signed film contract, an RIAA Gold Award for “The Jacksons”, Michael’s personal ‘Dangerous” Tour jacket, his personal RIAA Platinum Sales award, and more.

Bidders can choose from all kinds of items in all price ranges, including autographs, signed guitars, stage outfits, posters, rare albums and other memorabilia from such historic bands as The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, Jimi Hendrix, the Doors, Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, Janis Joplin, the Allman Brothers, The Who, and Bon Jovi, to name just a few.

Every lot in the sale may be previewed prior to sale days at Alexander Autographs’ offices in Stamford, CT. Advance notice is required – they may be contacted at (203) 276-1570 or email sales@alexautographs.com. A colorful illustrated catalog is also available at a modest charge, via their website (where all lots may ALSO be viewed), www.alexautographs.com.

On October 21st, join us at the Mohegan Sun’s Cabaret Theatre for a CELEBRITY JAM featuring the "Ernie and The Automatics", featuring two former members of the group "Boston", Barry Goudreau and Sib Hashian, with special guests Peter Tork of the Monkees, James Montgomery, Johnny A. and Fran Sheehan (formerly of Boston), starting at 9:30 PM.

Can’t attend the sale personally? You can bid online! Absentee bids can be left at Alexander Autograph’s website or you can join the action and bid LIVE, as items come up for sale, by registering at artfact.com. With the click of a mouse button, you’ll be able to bid as if you were in the auction room. Please note that all bidders must pre-register with Alexander Autographs and Artfact (if using Artfact’s bid service).

Alexander Autographs, Inc. and Mohegan Sun are proud to be a part of VH1 Save the Music Foundation’s important work to educate and enlighten America’s youth. Special thanks to co-sponsors Gibson Guitars, Coffin Case, TrendMax, Daddy’s Junky Music, Brigada, Angel AIR Records, and Bill Johnson. The event is being produced by Robert Johnson and Monika Hoelzer for "Rock The Auction".
 

About the VH1 Save The Music Foundation:
The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education programs in America’s public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child’s complete education. Since 1997, the VH1 Save The Music Foundation has provided $43 million worth of new musical instruments, donated to more than 1,600 public schools in more than 100 cities around the country, impacting the lives of more than 1.2 million public school students. Now twelve years strong, it is our renewed commitment to donate one hundred million dollars worth of new musical instruments to ensure that even a greater number of students receive a comprehensive music education in the coming decade! To join the movement to First Make Music, Then Make History, visit www.vh1savethemusic.com.

Bill Panagopulos
Alexander Autographs, Inc.
860 Canal Street
Stamford, CT 06902
(203) 276-1570
sales@alexautographs.com
www.alexautographs.com